CAMEROON : Public and private sectors lose a significant workforce to Canada

(LVDE) – The exodus of Cameroonian professionals to Canada has reached alarming proportions, according to a report from Canada’s Ministry of Immigration. In 2024, nearly 20,000 Cameroonians obtained permanent residency, reflecting a migration flow driven by the lack of opportunities in their home country.

Cameroonian immigration to Canada has grown to unprecedented levels. According to a report published in mid-November 2025 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 19,820 Cameroonians were admitted as permanent residents through economic immigration alone in 2024. This figure represents approximately 0.067% of Cameroon’s total population—an alarming trend.

This migration flow is more than just numbers; it reflects a search for professional opportunities that the home country is unable to provide. Cameroon has become a key source of labour to fill workforce shortages in Canada, especially in francophone regions. These newcomers are not merely migrants—they are qualified professionals whose skills are highly sought after to support the North American country’s economic development.

The scale of this migration is not so much a sign of weakened attachment to their homeland as it is a consequence of limited prospects for upward mobility. Many degree-holders face a “blocked social elevator,” forcing them to leave in search of better living conditions. In Quebec, for instance, Cameroon became the leading source of permanent immigrants in 2024, accounting for 15.4% of admissions—surpassing historically dominant countries such as France and China.

The trend is all the more concerning given that outside Quebec, Cameroonians also rank as the largest group of francophone permanent residents, with 10,395 admissions. This evolution raises questions about the future of the local labour market. Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Lena Metlege Diab, stated that the country will continue prioritizing economic immigration, aiming for nearly 65% of new permanent residents to meet labour market needs by 2027.

But why are so many Cameroonians choosing this path ? The reasons are numerous. According to leconomie.info, experts highlight challenges linked to governance, economic performance, and the education system. Salaries in the public sector and much of the private sector are widely considered inadequate, failing to match the cost of living or international standards.

Perceived corruption and favoritism also hinder the progress of young talent, while access to essential services—such as healthcare, electricity, and quality infrastructure—remains limited. In addition, security concerns in certain regions continue to reduce the country’s attractiveness. Even more troubling is the lack of an environment conducive to innovation and the growth of private initiatives.

A report by L’Économie camerounaise, drawing on data from the International Labour Organization, notes that Cameroon lost around 23,000 skilled workers in 2020—representing 2.2% of its skilled workforce. This phenomenon is not just a case of “brain drain,” but a deliberate response to a restrictive socio-economic environment. Unless conditions improve enough to rival the Canadian model, the country will continue to face a regrettable loss of talent. The consequences of this ongoing migration highlight the urgent need for deep reform of economic and social policies.

Raphael Mforlem